Eoin and I have been scratching our heads. LNG prices have plummeted to the lowest they've been in a decade, yet Woodfibre LNG still seems to be moving ahead... sort of. Here are the latest updates:

Mock-up of the "floatel" at Woodfibre LNG. Only it won't look like this idyllic picture; it's a flatbed barge with ATCO trailers on top.

Imagine what Squamish will be like if 600 cashed-up, mostly male workers that don't have a connection to our community come into town?

DEADLINE 11:59pm, Sunday 15th December 2019

Woodfibre LNG has proposed a "floatel" comprised of a barge and ATCO trailers to house up to 600 fly-in, fly-out construction workers at the Woodfibre site. The general public can comment on this proposed amendment until midnight on Sunday 15th December. Woodfibre LNG has mobilized their supporters to submit positive comments, so we need your help to demonstrate that there is still no social license for Woodfibre LNG in Howe Sound, and to share your concerns about the social, economic, environmental, health, and safety impacts of a floatel.

Your input is critical! It can be as simple as stating that you do not support Woodfibre LNG, however specific comments on the floatel will have more weight. We have compiled a list of our key concerns for you to use as inspiration, or feel free to copy and paste. This is one of your only opportunities to hold Woodfibre LNG accountable!

• Submit your comments here by Sunday 15th December 2019. Click the "Submit Comment" button.

• Say why you are opposed to Woodfibre LNG, and your concerns about the floatel

• Copy or adapt the example statement and/or key concerns below

• Share this with your friends via email and social media

We do want to acknowledge that the floatel is likely the best possible solution to house Woodfibre LNG's construction workers. But this is making the best of a bad deal for Howe Sound. We need to make sure that we are holding Woodfibre LNG to the very highest standards. It's also an opportunity to highlight the broken environmental assessment process, and to raise our voices in continued opposition to Woodfibre LNG. Share why you are opposed to Woodfibre LNG, and then copy or adapt the issues below to include in your submission:

Example statement

I am opposed to Woodfibre LNG as it will increase fracking, worsen climate change, and put the health and safety of Howe Sound communities at risk. Woodfibre LNG also threatens the recovery of our precious Howe Sound ecosystem with direct impacts to herring, salmon, and whales. None of these impacts have been adequately assessed through the provincial environmental assessment process for Woodfibre LNG.

I have completely lost trust in the integrity of the provincial environmental assessment process. This latest floatel amendment for Woodfibre LNG demonstrates that the process is broken and public engagement is meaningless. Woodfibre LNG and their consultants knew in 2014 that Squamish had a near-zero vacancy rate, yet BC EAO staff failed to hold them accountable and failed to incorporate appropriate mitigation measures such as building legacy housing as a condition of their environmental assessment.

Now Woodfibre LNG's consultants have determined that the floatel will not cause any significant adverse effects on our communities or our environment. But science that is bought and paid for by the proponent has an inherent conflict of interest. This undermines the integrity of the process and results in a loss of public confidence and trust in the decision. Decisions that relate to projects that pose a significant risk to the environment and/or human health like Woodfibre LNG must be assessed independently.

I call for an independent assessment to be conducted by the BC EAO (and paid for by Woodfibre LNG) to determine the possible adverse effects of a floatel in Howe Sound. Only then will public trust in this process be restored.

List of key concerns with Woodfibre LNG's floatel amendment

1. 1. SOCIAL: Impact of temporary construction workers on community structure and safety
      

      An influx of mostly male, temporary workers that don't have a connection to the community where they are working is typically associated with an increase in crime, drug use and misabuse, and increased demand for sex workers. These impacts often disproportionately affect the most vulnerable people in the community.

      Studies during construction of similar industrial projects with large numbers of temporary workers have resulted in:

      • increased number of workplace accidents.
      • increased substance abuse and misuse.
      • increased traffic accidents and collisions.
      • increased rate of violent crime, including sexual assault and sexualized violence, and increased domestic violence.
      • increased violence against Indigenous women and children.
      • increased rates of prostitution.
      • increased demands on hospitals, counseling, police, and ambulance services, which results in reduced service capacity for residents.
      • waste disposal issues.

      The recent report from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls highlights “substantial evidence of a serious problem that requires focused attention on the relationship between resource extraction projects and violence against Indigenous women.”

      While locating workers at the Woodfibre site on the floatel may eliminate concerns about traffic accidents, the other impacts are still very concerning to me, particularly if the workers are allowed to access Howe Sound communities when they are not working.

      > I ask for Woodfibre LNG's construction workers to be restricted to the floatel and the Woodfibre site. I do not believe that the economic benefits of allowing workers to visit Howe Sound communities is worth putting our communities at risk.

   2. ENVIRONMENT: Greenhouse gas emissions have not been reassessed and cumulative impacts continue to be ignored

      The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned that we have until 2030 to avoid catastrophic climate change. The report states that we need to immediately reduce greenhouse-gas emissions to limit warming to 1.5 degrees, with a 45% reduction below 2010 levels by 2030, and a 100% reduction (or net zero) by 2050.

      Woodfibre LNG argues that the reduction in vehicle and ferry traffic will result in an environmental benefit, and as a result greenhouse gas emissions have not been assessed as part of this amendment. However, Woodfibre LNG is ignoring the increased emissions from fly-in/fly-out temporary workers, which will add significant greenhouse gas emissions to this project.

      The cumulative greenhouse gas emissions for Woodfibre LNG have never been assessed, and the environmental assessment process has ignored both the upstream emissions from fracking and transporting the natural gas to the site, the downstream emissions of shipping the LNG to Asia, the emissions at the point of final combustion, and the cumulative emissions from the FortisBC pipeline and compressor station, and BC Hydro. Woodfibre LNG estimates the project will produce 142,000 tonnes of CO2 pollution every year during operations, while the associated FortisBC compressor station will produce an additional 27,000 tonnes of CO2 pollution, creating combined emissions of 169,000 tonnes of CO2 pollution per year. For comparison, that is more than double the greenhouse gas emissions for the entire community of Squamish which is estimated to produce 88,000 tonnes of CO2 pollution per year.

      > I ask for greenhouse gas emissions to be assessed for the floatel as part of this amendment. This should include the greenhouse gas emissions of fly-in/fly-out temporary workers, as well as emissions from the floatel itself and associated worker transportation.
      

      > I ask for a cumulative assessment of greenhouse gas emissions that will evaluate the entire life cycle emissions of Woodfibre LNG, including upstream and downstream emissions.

   3. ENVIRONMENT/HEALTH + SAFETY: The Woodfibre site is not a safe location for a floatel (or a hazardous LNG facility)

      On February 15th, 2015, a 3.4 magnitude earthquake hit Vancouver's coast that was felt throughout Howe Sound. Experts widely acknowledge that a 9.0 magnitude earthquake, also known as "the big one," is only a matter of time in the Pacific Northwest. The Woodfibre LNG proposal is located within this zone of moderate to high earthquake risk, on two known thrust faults.

      The Woodfibre site also has a history of slope failure. In 1955 a wharf and three warehouses collapsed into Howe Sound at the Woodfibre site, causing $500,000 – $750,000 in damages. A geotechnical study by Knight Piesold identifies that approximately 46% of the Woodfibre site was mapped as having rapid mass movement. This means landslides and slope slumpage, including existing natural landslide hazards as well as terrain where construction activity may increase landslide initiation.

      We've already raised our concerns about locating a hazardous LNG facility on such an unstable site, and the potential risks to our communities. The proposed location of the floatel will put an additional 600 workers at direct risk, however Woodfibre LNG has not assessed "Geotechnical and natural hazards" as part of this amendment.

      > I ask for "Geotechnical and natural hazards" to be assessed for the floatel as part of this amendment.

      > I ask for additional studies to be conducted to determine the safety of housing 600 construction workers at a site that is known to be susceptible to rapid mass movement.

   4. ECONOMY: The requested socio-economic study has still not been provided

      During construction, Woodfibre LNG estimated that only 4.3% of jobs (=38.5 out of 895) will be for locals living in the Squamish/Whistler corridor. However, the Vice President of Woodfibre LNG recently acknowledged at a DoS council meeting on 12th November 2019 that there is a labour shortage in BC. It is highly likely that the percentage of jobs for locals will be even lower than estimated.

      We requested a comprehensive socio-economic study in 2014 and again in 2015, to highlight the possible costs and benefits of the Woodfibre LNG project. This has never been provided.

      > I ask for an updated Labour Market assessment to be conducted to reflect the current labour shortage in BC.

      > I ask for a comprehensive cost/benefit analysis to be conducted to determine the social and economic implications for Howe Sound communities, particularly given that the proclaimed benefits are likely evaporating.

   5. ENVIRONMENT: Herring assessment is based on old and incomplete data sets
      

      Forage fish such as herring are a critical link in Howe Sound's food web. In this amendment, Woodfibre LNG's consultants are still referring to the old and incomplete data sets for herring spawn that were used in the original environmental assessment application in 2014. This fails to take into account the extensive herring spawn data that has been compiled from 2011-2019 by local citizen scientist, John Buchanan. It also fails to take into account the data sets from Woodfibre LNG's own consultants, Hemmera, who conducted herring spawn surveys over the 2015 herring spawning season. Hemmera recommended that additional herring spawn surveys should be conducted in 2016 to establish a baseline - we don't believe this has been completed. Squamish Nation highlighted how poor the provincial environmental assessment was by forcing Woodfibre LNG to switch from seawater cooling to air cooling due to concern about impacts to herring.
      

      Why is Woodfibre LNG again ignoring all available data to assess the impact to herring for this amendment?

      > I ask for the impacts to Forage Fish such as herring to be re-assessed using all known and current available data, including citizen scientist data provided by John Buchanan.

      > I ask for a baseline assessment of herring to be conducted before construction begins to ensure that appropriate mitigation measures can be taken.

   6. ECONOMY/HERITAGE: Loss of access to Darrell Bay
      

      Darrell Bay is a publicly-owned community resource currently assigned as an emergency ferry route to/from the Lower Mainland in the event the Sea to Sky Highway becomes impassible. Woodfibre LNG is proposing to build a dock at Darrell Bay to transport temporary construction workers to/from the Woodfibre site.

      Darrell Bay is frequently used for overflow parking for Shannon Falls Provincial Park and the Sea to Sky Gondola, however Woodfibre LNG has asked for exclusive use of Darrell Bay. The impacts of the loss of this overflow parking for both BC Parks and the Sea to Sky Gondola has never been assessed as part of Woodfibre LNG's environmental assessment, and neither has the impacts of the proposed Darrell Bay dock.

      > I ask for the impacts of the proposed dock at Darrell Bay to be assessed, with particular attention to potential impacts on the Sustainable Economy, and Infrastructure and Community Services.
      

      > I ask that the BC EAO require Woodfibre LNG to build a legacy project for Squamish in the form of a public boat launch and kayak/paddle board launch at Darrell Bay as part of the conditions for this amendment.
      

   7. POOR STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT: Woodfibre LNG has failed to fulfill condition #24 to engage the public

      Woodfibre LNG has only been engaging in an exclusive way with select community stakeholders behind closed doors, many of whom have received funding from the proponent in the last five years. As a member of the general public I do not feel informed, and I have not been meaningfully engaged by Woodfibre LNG on the floatel amendment or the current status of the project. It has been more than two years since Woodfibre LNG appeared before the District of Squamish council with an update before the update to council on 12th November 2019.

      Woodfibre LNG is failing to fulfill condition number 24 of its environmental assessment certificate "to engage the public for the life of the project. Consultation and engagement must include information sharing and discussion of site-specific mitigation measures, including the development and implementation of plans and the conditions of this Certificate."

      > I ask for an open community town hall hosted by the BC EAO (with representatives from Woodfibre LNG, FortisBC, and the BC Oil + Gas Commission in attendance) that is open to the general public, and where the general public can ask questions of the proponents about the projects and the process.

More questions?

If you have any questions, contact Michael Shepard, the Project Lead for both the Woodfibre LNG project, and the Fortis BC pipeline from Eagle Mountain to Coquitlam.

Michael Shepard
Project Lead
BC Environmental Assessment Office
Michael.Shepard@gov.bc.ca
1 (778) 698-9294

The proposed floating storage units at Woodfibre LNG, made of two 40-year old retrofitted LNG tankers that are already at the end of their lifespan.

We just found out that Woodfibre LNG, FortisBC, and the BC Oil and Gas Commission are presenting to the District of Squamish this Tuesday!

We need to be there too and make some noise!

The election is over and Canadians have spoken loud and clear that we want our elected officials to work together for bold climate action. Millions of us have marched in the streets and shut down bridges to demand a future for our children and our grandchildren.

These students can't vote, but they want you to. In the last few weeks, you may have been texted by one of our inspiring youth volunteers to remind you to vote. Today is your last chance.

Earlier this summer, my partner and I decided to explore a few of the campsites on the Howe Sound Marine Trail. Leaving our house late one evening, we paddled across the Squamish River heading towards Tantalus Landing Sxwan’shnm. It was that still twilight where everything is calm, and the ocean was reflecting the sky in shades of pink and purple and indigo.

That’s when we heard it.

Advance voting begins tomorrow! Do you have a plan? Do you know where to go to vote? Do you know who you are voting for? Here's what you need to do:

The Federal election is coming up on October 21st 2019. Here's what you need to do:

1. Get informed

Who are your candidates? What are their values? Are they willing to collaborate with others across party lines? How well will they represent their constituents in Ottawa? This is a critical time for Canada, and who we elect will determine whether we tackle our climate emergency, or continue to bury our head in the sand and promote dirty fossil fuel projects. Make sure you vote wisely.

Learn more about the parties and your candidate!

• LeadNow has identified which candidates are willing to cooperate for climate.
  IS YOUR CANDIDATE A CLIMATE CHAMPION?
   
• FairVotingBC has put together a report card on party promises.
  WHAT GRADE DO THE PARTIES GET?
   
• Macleans has put together a helpful page that lists where each party stands on key issues.
  WHERE DO THE PARTIES STAND ON KEY ISSUES?
   
• CBC has a brief overview of key campaign promises
  CAMPAIGN PROMISES SO FAR...
   
• Read the platforms for each party

  • CONSERVATIVE PARTY PLATFORM (still not available yet)

  • GREEN PARTY PLATFORM

  • LIBERAL PARTY PLATFORM

  • NDP PARTY PLATFORM

Watch the all-candidates debates

Watch the federal leaders debate to learn more about each party. But remember, you should be voting for your specific candidate in your riding! Don't vote for the leader, or the party. You need to know more about who your candidates are, and whether they are a serious contender or just there to warm a seat for a particular party (and split the vote).

WATCH THE FEDERAL ELECTION LEADERS DEBATE 2019-10-07

WATCH THE MACLEANS DEBATE 2019-09-12 (note that Justin Trudeau chose not to participate)

Where do the parties stand on Woodfibre LNG?

• The Green Party is the only party that has clearly stated its opposition to Woodfibre LNG and LNG development. They have promised to ban fracking outright as part of their platform, and given that 85% of our natural gas currently comes from fracking, that means LNG projects simply cannot happen. SEE GREEN PARTY PLATFORM
   
• The NDP have previously expressed opposition to fracking, but currently support LNG development. Yes, there is a disconnect there. Svend Robinson is the only NDP candidate that is vocally opposed to LNG development and fracking. They have committed to eliminate fossil fuel subsidies, but their platform makes no specific mention of LNG or fracking. Given the Provincial NDP support for LNG it is unlikely that the Federal NDP will oppose LNG development. READ MORE HERE and SEE NDP PARTY PLATFORM
   
• Over the last four years Liberals have committed several tax breaks and subsidies to support LNG development, and have approved several LNG projects. Their platform makes no mention of eliminating fossil fuel subsidies, and their recent purchase of an oil pipeline will make it much harder for Canada to transition away from fossil fuels. SEE LIBERAL PARTY PLATFORM
   
• The Conservatives are clearly committed to supporting more oil and gas development including LNG, and will eliminate the carbon tax despite evidence that carbon taxes work to reduce emissions.

2. Vote!

In the last Federal election in 2015, there was an increase in voter turnout to 68.5%, the highest voter turnout since 1993. The people we elect to Federal government will be making key decisions on the future of Canada, and how we take action on climate change. Your vote is critical.

Vote on election day:

Vote at your assigned polling station on Monday, October 21st. Times vary by polling station. IMPORTANT! You must vote at your assigned polling station!

FIND YOUR ASSIGNED POLLING STATION HERE

We are furious, and we need your help.

For the last five years we've been saying that the environmental assessment process is completely broken... and right now, when we have a chance to fix it, the BC Environmental Assessment Office (BC EAO) has proposed changes that will make it even worse.

Last week I felt so inspired to be a part of history as over 7 million people took to the streets for the global climate strike. One thing is crystal clear: we need to do everything we can to stop new fossil fuel development like Woodfibre LNG if we want to solve our climate emergency.

Happy Earth Day! We thought we'd celebrate by sharing some incredible good news stories about Howe Sound.

Volunteers and organizations from around Howe Sound are coordinating efforts to clean up the debris caused by our extreme winter storms.

On Monday, the BC NDP sided with the BC Liberals to vote 80–3 to approve new fossil fuel subsidies to prop up LNG export projects like Woodfibre LNG and LNG Canada.

We've been paying close attention to Woodfibre LNG, and the rumours are concerning.

MEDIA ADVISORY:

Orca Celebration calls on Minister Heyman to Protect Howe Sound

Last year My Sea to Sky created a heart to launch our campaign to Protect Howe Sound (watch the video). This year we're going big, like really big, as we create an orca out of people.

My Sea to Sky is proud to be partnering with the Squamish Street Market to Celebrate Orcas and call on Minister George Heyman to Protect Howe Sound.

Media is invited to attend. Photos and video footage will be provided immediately following the event.

WHAT: Art meets activism as we create an orca out of people with the stunning Stawamus Chief as a backdrop.

WHO: My Sea to Sky and Squamish Street Market

WHEN: Sunday September 16, 2018 3pm - 4pm, followed by a picnic celebration at O'Siyam Pavilion

WHERE: Xwu’nekw Park and Canoe Shelter (pronounced whoo-Nay-Oak), on the waterfront at the corner of Loggers Lane and Main Street in Squamish (see map).

WHY: After decades of industrial damage, orcas have returned to Howe Sound in the last few years as the ecosystem has recovered. My Sea to Sky is calling on Minister George Heyman to recognize the work that has been accomplished to begin to restore Howe Sound's fragile ecosystems, and to protect Howe Sound for future generations.

-- 30 --

DOWNLOAD POSTER, VIDEO, AND GRAPHIC FILES HERE

CONTACTS

Tracey Saxby -- My Sea To Sky
604.892.7501 tracey@myseatosky.org

http://www.myseatosky.org/

About My Sea to Sky

My Sea To Sky is a people-powered environmental organization that was founded in 2014 to defend, protect, and restore Howe Sound. We actively advocate against unsustainable industrial projects that threaten the environmental recovery of Howe Sound, and are working to develop a shared vision and plan to protect Howe Sound for future generations, and reduce human caused threats to Howe Sound. We do this by organizing educational events; coordinating research; building partnerships and respectful relationships; lifting up First Nations voices and culture; and facilitating public engagement with our municipal, provincial, and federal governments. We aim to inspire our community to become activists, and make it as simple as possible for people to take action at critical moments.

Our mission

We inspire and empower British Columbians to safeguard the spectacular natural legacy of Howe Sound.

Our vision

We envision a future in which Howe Sound’s (Átl’ka7tsem) thriving ecosystems support regenerative communities.

Our strategic priorities (2018 to 2023)

1. Defend: Stop destructive projects that threaten the environmental integrity of Howe Sound.
2. Protect: Develop a shared vision and plan to protect Howe Sound for future generations.
3. Restore: Reduce human-caused threats to Howe Sound and support ecosystem restoration efforts.

MEDIA ADVISORY:

Orca Celebration cancelled due to logistics with weather

My Sea to Sky regrets to announce that the Orca Celebration planned for Sunday 16th September is cancelled due to logistical challenges with the weather.

The Squamish Street Market will proceed, rain or shine, from 10am till 6pm as planned on Sunday 16th September, with live music, beer garden, food vendors, and street market.  

My Sea to Sky hopes to partner with the Squamish Street Market again in 2019, and will ensure that any future events are better weather-proofed.

-- 30 --

CONTACTS

Tracey Saxby -- My Sea To Sky
604.892.7501 tracey@myseatosky.org

Bianca Peters -- Squamish Street Market
604.815.8725 bianca@bpcom.ca

http://www.myseatosky.org/

About My Sea to Sky

My Sea To Sky is a people-powered environmental organization that was founded in 2014 to defend, protect, and restore Howe Sound. We actively advocate against unsustainable industrial projects that threaten the environmental recovery of Howe Sound, and are working to develop a shared vision and plan to protect Howe Sound for future generations, and reduce human caused threats to Howe Sound. We do this by organizing educational events; coordinating research; building partnerships and respectful relationships; lifting up First Nations voices and culture; and facilitating public engagement with our municipal, provincial, and federal governments. We aim to inspire our community to become activists, and make it as simple as possible for people to take action at critical moments.

Our mission

We inspire and empower British Columbians to safeguard the spectacular natural legacy of Howe Sound.

Our vision

We envision a future in which Howe Sound’s (Átl’ka7tsem) thriving ecosystems support regenerative communities.

Our strategic priorities (2018 to 2023)

1. Defend: Stop destructive projects that threaten the environmental integrity of Howe Sound.
2. Protect: Develop a shared vision and plan to protect Howe Sound for future generations.
3. Restore: Reduce human-caused threats to Howe Sound and support ecosystem restoration efforts.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2nd November 2018

"Trudeau: Pull up your socks on climate change"

Approximately 50 people stood in the rain outside Gleneagles Golf Course in West Vancouver last night, determined to send a message to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was scheduled to attend a $1,500-per-plate Liberal fundraising event inside.

With signs reading "Trudeau: Pull up your socks on climate change!" and "Climate Action Now!" and "LNG = Climate Change," concerned citizens created a chorus with drums and pots and pans as they waited for more than three hours for the Prime Minister's convoy to appear.

"Scientists have warned us that we have twelve years to limit climate change catastrophe," said Tracey Saxby, marine scientist and Executive Director of My Sea to Sky. "People are angry about the lack of real climate action from our leaders, and we're scared about the very real consequences that climate change is already having on our communities.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government continues to expand fossil fuel production, by approving Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) export facilities, and the recent Kinder Morgan pipeline purchase. This is not climate leadership."

The federal Liberals continue to cave in to pressure from the fossil fuel industry, with the most recent proposal to lower the carbon tax on coal burning power plants to $1 per tonne.

"The Federal government is allowing the biggest carbon polluters to continue destroying our climate. Our children will be paying the price for that pollution."

As the Federal election approaches in 2019, citizens warn that this kind of action is just the beginning.

"This is a climate emergency," Saxby said. "We need urgent action from all levels of government to immediately reduce carbon pollution, and retrain oil and gas workers to help support the transition to a renewable energy economy. Our future depends on it."

Neither the Prime Minister nor local MPs Pamela Goldsmith-Jones or Jonathan Wilkinson stopped to speak with protesters.

-- 30 --

DOWNLOAD PHOTOS HERE

For interviews please contact:

Tracey Saxby -- My Sea To Sky
604.892.7501 tracey@myseatosky.org

http://www.myseatosky.org/

About My Sea to Sky

My Sea To Sky is a people-powered environmental organization that was founded in 2014 to defend, protect, and restore Howe Sound. We actively advocate against unsustainable industrial projects that threaten the environmental recovery of Howe Sound, and are working to develop a shared vision and plan to protect Howe Sound for future generations, and reduce human caused threats to Howe Sound. We do this by organizing educational events; coordinating research; building partnerships and respectful relationships; lifting up First Nations voices and culture; and facilitating public engagement with our municipal, provincial, and federal governments. We aim to inspire our community to become activists, and make it as simple as possible for people to take action at critical moments.

Our mission

We inspire and empower British Columbians to safeguard the spectacular natural legacy of Howe Sound.

Our vision

We envision a future in which Howe Sound’s (Átl’ka7tsem) thriving ecosystems support regenerative communities.

Our strategic priorities (2018 to 2023)

1. Defend: Stop destructive projects that threaten the environmental integrity of Howe Sound.
2. Protect: Develop a shared vision and plan to protect Howe Sound for future generations.
3. Restore: Reduce human-caused threats to Howe Sound and support ecosystem restoration efforts.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 23rd November 2018

We will continue to fight: Woodfibre LNG is not a done deal

Squamish Nation has voted to approve the Impact Benefit Agreement with Woodfibre LNG, FortisBC, and the Provincial Government, fulfilling a key condition imposed as part of the Nation's environmental assessment process.

We respect Squamish Nation’s decision, but recognize that this was a split vote.

My Sea to Sky remains steadfastly opposed to Woodfibre LNG.

We have grave concerns about the impacts that Woodfibre LNG will have on wildlife in Howe Sound, the lack of safety regulations for LNG tankers in Canadian waters, the costs of air pollution to human health, the subsidies that are unfairly propping up a sunset industry, and the upstream and local climate impacts of this project.

"Scientists have warned us that we have twelve years to limit climate catastrophe," said Tracey Saxby, marine scientist and Executive Director of My Sea to Sky. "People are scared about the very real consequences that climate change is already having on our communities. We cannot build new fossil fuel infrastructure when we are facing a climate crisis that threatens the future of our planet."

"Nearly 18,000 people around Howe Sound have signed a declaration in opposition to Woodfibre LNG. This project does not have social license to proceed and we will continue to fight for our future."

-- 30 --

For interviews please contact:

Tracey Saxby -- My Sea To Sky
604.892.7501 tracey@myseatosky.org

http://www.myseatosky.org/

SEE SQUAMISH NATION'S LIST OF 25 CONDITIONS HERE

http://www.squamish.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/SN_Newsletter_V3_26Oct2016-01288844.pdf

SEE THE HOWE SOUND DECLARATION HERE

http://www.myseatosky.org/declaration

About My Sea to Sky

My Sea To Sky is a people-powered environmental organization that was founded in 2014 to defend, protect, and restore Howe Sound. We actively advocate against unsustainable industrial projects that threaten the environmental recovery of Howe Sound, and are working to develop a shared vision and plan to protect Howe Sound for future generations, and reduce human caused threats to Howe Sound. We do this by organizing educational events; coordinating research; building partnerships and respectful relationships; lifting up First Nations voices and culture; and facilitating public engagement with our municipal, provincial, and federal governments. We aim to inspire our community to become activists, and make it as simple as possible for people to take action at critical moments.

Our mission

We inspire and empower British Columbians to safeguard the spectacular natural legacy of Howe Sound.

Our vision

We envision a future in which Howe Sound’s (Átl’ka7tsem) thriving ecosystems support regenerative communities.

Our strategic priorities (2018 to 2023)

1. Defend: Stop destructive projects that threaten the environmental integrity of Howe Sound.
2. Protect: Develop a shared vision and plan to protect Howe Sound for future generations.

Restore: Reduce human-caused threats to Howe Sound and support ecosystem restoration efforts.